Butterfly valve and stem assembly

ABSTRACT

A butterfly valve capable of preventing leakage under demanding environmental and operating conditions. The valve includes two stem seal assemblies. The stem seal assemblies include a first pusher, a first energizer, a second pusher, a second energizer, and a force transmitting member. The force transmitting member is configured to transfer an axial load to the second pusher, which causes the first and second energizer to expand radially to create a secondary and tertiary seals between the stem seal assembly and valve stem. In addition, the force transmitting member is configured to transfer an axial load to the first pusher which creates a primary seal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of allowed U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/246,130, filed on Aug. 24, 2016, which issued as U.S. Pat.No. 11,143,331 on Oct. 12, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/928,893, filed on Jun. 27, 2013, which issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,512,926 on Dec. 6, 2016, which in turn was acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/283,168,filed on Oct. 27, 2011 which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,910,921 on Dec.16, 2014. Each patent application identified above is incorporated hereby reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to means, for regulating flow of afluid/through a passage, either by closing the passage or restricting itby a definite predetermined motion of the flow-element, and moreparticularly to devices wherein the valve stem and/or actuator isparticularly associated with means to pack or seal it to prevent leakageof fluid between the inside and outside of the valve body.

Description of Related Art

Valves are mechanical devices that are frequently utilized to regulatethe flow of fluids, gases and slurries over a wide range of temperaturesand pressures. Valves are used in a variety of applications,particularly industrial applications (e.g. refining, chemical,petrochemical, pharmaceutical, etc.), and several different types ofvalves have been developed to meet the broad range of industrialapplications. Examples include ball valves, plug valves, butterflyvalves, gate valves, check valves, globe valves, diaphragm, and soforth. Valves may be operated manually by hand or operated mechanicallywith pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuators.

Most valves are provided with a passage containing a flow-element thatis positioned within the passage. The flow-element regulates the flow ofa fluid, gas or slurry through the passage either by closing the passageor restricting it by a definite predetermined motion of theflow-element. The flow-element has an open position, which allows afluid, gas or slurry to flow through the passage, and a closed positionthat prevents a fluid, gas or slurry from flowing through the passage.Examples of flow-elements include, but are not limited to, the ball in aball valve, the disc in a butterfly valve, and so forth. Theflow-element is typically connected to a stem, which actuates theflow-element, either manually or mechanically, between the open positionand closed position. Many ball valves are provided with a bonnet, whichis fastened to the body of the valve, to secure the flow element andstem in place as well as any sealing or packing means. Duringoperations, a valve stem is frequently moved between the open positionand closed position, which may expose the bonnet to rotational stressand loosen the bonnet over time. A loose valve bonnet may cause a fluid,gas or slurry leakage from the valve, which is very undesirable forreasons more fully set forth below.

Valve stems are usually associated with a means to pack or seal it toprevent leakage of fluid between the inside and outside of the valvebody. A common means to prevent leakage around the valve stem is a stemseal. However, due to demanding environmental and operating conditions,valve seals are prone to leakage. For example, valves may be exposed towide and rapid temperature changes, i.e. thermal cycling, causing itsseals to contract and expand rapidly, which may degrade the seal overtime. In addition, valve seals are sometimes exposed high temperatureenvironments, such as those experienced in fire conditions, which mayconsume many seal materials.

Other factors that may impact the reliability of a valve seal includevibrations and rotational forces. For example, during operations, a stemseal is frequently exposed to rotational forces as a valve is movedbetween its open and closed position, which can degrade the integrity ofthe seal over time causing the valve to leak. Additionally, valves arefrequently exposed to high pressure operating conditions and pressuredrops, which cause vibrations that may degrade the seal.

Any leakage is very undesirable since it undermines the ability of thevalve to control fluid or slurry flow. Moreover, in recent years,environmental regulations have placed a greater emphasis on reducingleaks and other fugitive emissions from valves in industrial settings byimposing fines and other penalties on facilities that exceed allowablelevels. Therefore, in light of the foregoing, a need exists for a morerobust valve and stem sealing assembly capable of preventing leakageunder demanding environmental and operating conditions.

Furthermore, leaks and/or fugitive emissions from valves are usuallyidentified during field inspections by operations personnel. Fieldinspections often cannot identify a degrading seal until the valve hasalready begun to leak. As a result, a valve may leak for a prolongedperiod of time before it is noticed possibly subjecting personnel toexposure to a hazardous material and/or the facility to fines and otherpenalties. Therefore, in light of the foregoing, a need exists for amore robust valve and sealing assembly capable of detecting a leakand/or fugitive emission before it is released into the environment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide a more robust valve and stemsealing assembly capable of preventing leakage under demandingenvironmental and operating conditions. A further object of thisinvention is to provide a valve and stem sealing assembly capable ofdetecting a leak before it is released into the environment. Still afurther object of this invention is to provide a valve and stem sealingassembly that prevents a bonnet from turning and loosening duringoperations. Additional objects and advantages of this invention shallbecome apparent in the ensuing descriptions of the invention.

Accordingly, a butterfly valve capable of preventing leakage underdemanding environmental and operating conditions. The valve includes twostem seal assemblies. The stem seal assemblies include a first pusher, afirst energizer, a second pusher, a second energizer, and a forcetransmitting member. The force transmitting member is configured totransfer an axial load to the second pusher, which causes the first andsecond energizer to expand radially to create a secondary and tertiaryseals between the stem seal assembly and valve stem. In addition, theforce transmitting member is configured to transfer an axial load to thefirst pusher which creates a primary seal. The butterfly valve may alsohave a second sealing assembly positioned between the body and the flowelement.

The foregoing broadly outlines the features and technical advantages ofthe present invention in order for the following detailed description ofthe invention to be understood. Additional features and advantages ofthe invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject ofthe claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilledin the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may bereadily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structuresfor carrying out the same purposes of the present invention.

It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that suchequivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of theinvention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features whichare believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to itsorganization and method of operation, together with further objects andadvantages will be better understood from the following description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying Figures. It is to beexpressly understood, however, that each of the Figures is provided forthe purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended asa definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a ball valve in accordancewith this invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the ball valve inFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a ball valve inaccordance with this invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the ball valve inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a close-up detail view of a body joint in the embodiment ofthe ball valve in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a stem sealing assembly in accordance with thisinvention illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the stem sealing assembly shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the stem sealing assembly shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a stem sealingassembly in accordance with this invention in the embodiment of the ballvalve illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of thestem sealing assembly shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the alternative embodiment of the stemsealing assembly shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a ball valve in accordance with thisinvention.

FIG. 13 is a close-up detail view of an anti-rotational bonnet and bodyinterface in accordance with this invention.

FIG. 14 is an embodiment of a butterfly valve in accordance with thisinvention.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the butterfly valve shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the butterfly valve shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the butterfly valve shown in FIG.14.

FIG. 18 is a close-up detail view of the butterfly valve stem seal.

FIG. 19 is a close-up detail view of the upper embodiment of the stemsealing assembly for the butterfly valve shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 20 is a close-up detail view of an embodiment of the second sealingassembly between the bottom body half and flow element in the butterflyvalve shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 21 is perspective view of the butterfly valve shown FIG. 14.

FIG. 22 is a close-up detail view of an embodiment of the stem sealingassembly for the butterfly valve shown in FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of a valve in accordance with this invention is showngenerally in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 at 100. An alternative embodiment of avalve in accordance with this invention is illustrated generally in FIG.3 and FIG. 4 at 100, and discussed in further detail below. The valve100 comprises a valve body. The valve body may be single body, threepiece body, split body, top entry, or welded. In an embodiment, thevalve body may be formed by a first body half 101 and a second body half102 secured together. The first body half 101 may have a flangedconnection face that secures to a corresponding flanged connection faceon the second body half 102. The first body half 101 and second bodyhalf 102 may be secured together by any conventional means such as athreaded, bolted, welded joint, and so forth. The first body half 101and second body half 102 may be constructed from any suitable materialsuch as carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and so forth. Asone of ordinary skill in the art appreciates, all materials used in theconstruction of the valve and sealing assembly elements are selectedaccording to the varying types of applications. The materials are chosento optimize functional reliability, fluid compatibility, service lifeand cost.

The first body half 101 and second body half 102 may have a liner 111.The liner 111 may be on flanged faces of the first body half 101 andsecond body half 102. A seal between the first body half 101 and secondbody half 102 is created by contact between the liner 111 on the flangedfaces both body halves. In an embodiment, the first body half 101 andsecond body half 102 may be bolted together and constructed from carbonsteel and coated with an epoxy paint to prevent corrosion. The boltedconnection provides the force necessary to create the seal between thefirst body half 101 and second body half 102.

As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the valve 100 may have a bodyjoint 123 configured to maintain adequate sealing pressure and sealingintegrity between the first body half 101 and the second body half 102thereby reducing the likelihood of a leak path, particularly when apiping system is stressed, compressed, misaligned, or subjected tovibrations or thermal cycling. The body joint 123 provides rigidity or“memory” to the liner 111. The body joint 123 may be an annular disc orspring with several ridges or waves, which extend between the inner andouter circumference of the body joint 123. The body joint 123 isdynamically loaded and energized, and may be encapsulated within a liner111. In an embodiment, the body joint 123 is located on the flanged faceconnection of the second body half 102, and encapsulated by the liner111. The body joint 123 may be preferably located where the flangedfaces are connected together, e.g. at the connection points between thefirst body half 101 and second body half 102.

The valve 100 has a first port 103 and a second port 104 with a passage105, which is configured to flow a media (fluid, gas or slurry),extending between the first port 103 and second port 104. The valve 100also has a stem port 106 that extends between the inside and outside ofthe valve 100. The valve 100 further comprises a bonnet 107. The bonnet107 acts as a cover on the first body half 101 and second body half 102,and is typically cast or forged of the same material as the first bodyhalf 101 and second body half 102. The bonnet 107 may be secured to thefirst body half 101 and second body half 102 by any conventional meanssuch as a threaded, bolted, welded joint, and so forth.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, a flow-element 108 is positioned betweenthe first port 103 and second port 104. The flow-element 108 may beconnected to a stem 109, which actuates the flow-element 108, eithermanually or mechanically, between an open position and a closedposition. Alternatively, to eliminate hysteresis and prevent liningdamage associated with traditional two-piece designs, the flow-element108 and stem 109 may be fabricated as a single-piece design. The stem109 extends through the stem port 106, and is connected to an actuator110. In an embodiment, the actuator 110 may be a manually actuatedhandle or lever; however, the actuator 110 may also be any conventionalmeans such as pneumatic, hydraulic, electric actuators, and so forth.The flow-element 108 is preferably a full port ball, but it may be anyconventional means capable of closing or restricting the passage 105when it is moved between the open position and closed position. Examplesinclude, but are not limited to, a V-port ball, standard ball, and soforth.

The valve may be provided with a liner 111 to prevent corrosion. Theliner 111 is preferably substantially uniformly thick and secured to thesurface of the valve 100. The liner 111 may be secured to any surface ofthe valve 100, but is preferably secured to surfaces that will beexposed to the media. For example, a liner 111 may be secured to thesurfaces of the first body half 101 and second body half 102 that definethe passage 105. The liner 111 may also be secured to the surfaces ofthe flow-element 108, and stem 109.

The liner 111 may be secured to the valve 100 by any conventional means.In an embodiment, the liner is secured to the first body half 101,second body half 102, and bonnet 107 by a series of dovetail groves andinterlocking holes 112 on body of the valve, which facilitate thehandling of process pressure, vacuum, thermal cycling, and temperaturecycling. As one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates, the liner 111material may be selected based on the application of the valve. Incorrosive applications (e.g. chlorine, hydrochloric acid, etc.), theliner 111 may be constructed from a fluoropolymer and thermoplasticmaterial such as fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy(PFA), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and so forth.

Internal seats 113 are interposed between the flow element 113 and thevalve body. The internal seats 113 are configured and designed toprevent leakage within the valve 100. In an embodiment, the internalseats 113 are positioned between the void space between the flow element108 and the first body half 101 and second body half 102. The materialof construction of the internal seats 113 is largely dependent on thetemperature, pressure, and type of media flowing through the valve 100.As one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates, the internal seats 113are preferably constructed from any material capable of resisting theeffects of chemical attack, absorption, swelling, cold flow, andpermeation with respect to a media. Suitable materials include, but arenot limited to, fluoroplastic materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA),polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and so forth.

The valve 100 further comprises a stem seal assembly as shown in FIG. 2.FIG. 4 illustrates a valve 100 with an alternate embodiment of a stemseal assembly. The stem seal assembly is utilized to prevent leakage ofa media from the inside to the outside of the valve 100. The stem sealassembly is substantially adjacent to the stem 109. In an embodiment,the stem seal assembly is configured to fit within an annular spacedefined by the area between the stem 109 and the first body half 101,second body half 102, and bonnet 103. Alternatively, if the first bodyhalf 101, second body half 102, and bonnet 103 are provided with aliner, the stem seal assembly may be configured to fit within an annularspace defined by the area between the stem 109 and liner 111.

An embodiment of a stem seal assembly shown in FIG. 2 is illustrated inFIG. 6, FIG. 7, and FIG. 8. The stem seal assembly is a dynamic sealingsystem that has the advantages of being virtually maintenance free andrequiring no adjustment in the field. The stem seal assembly may alsoserve as a bearing and assist with reducing lateral forces that may beplaced on the flow-element 108 and stem 109. The stem seal assemblycomprises a bottom gasket 114, a primary seal 115, primary shaft insert116, seal 117, spacer 118, secondary seal 120, secondary shaft insert121, support ring 122, and force transmitting member 119. The secondaryseal 120 and secondary shaft insert 122 provide a backup seal if theprimary seal 115 is compromised.

The bottom gasket 114 is seated in the bottom of the annular space. Thebottom gasket 114 may have an interface on its top surface configured tosubstantially mate with the bottom surface of the primary seal 115. Inan embodiment, to prevent the passage of a media, the outercircumference of the bottom gasket 114 is configured to substantiallyfit with the valve stem, and the inner circumference of the bottomgasket 114 is configured to substantially fit with the valve body orvalve body liner 111. The bottom gasket 114 may be constructed from anymaterial resistant to the media passing through the valve. Suitablematerials include but are not limited to a thermoplastic orfluoroplastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or othersuitable material.

The primary seal 115 is seated in the annular space above the bottomgasket 114. The primary seal 115 is seated on the top surface of thebottom gasket 114. In an embodiment, the bottom surface of the primaryseal 115 is configured to substantially mate with the top surface of thebottom gasket 114, and sits on top of the top surface of the bottomgasket 114. The primary seal 115 may have a cavity between the innercircumference and outer circumference of the primary seal 115. Thecavity is preferably sized and configured to receive the primary shaftinsert 116. In an embodiment, the cavity is a U-cup shape. As shown inFIG. 8, the cavity extends between the inner and outer circumference ofthe primary seal 115 and from the top to the bottom of the primary seal115. The outer and inner circumference of the primary seal 115 may havea plurality of ribs. The ribs on the inner and outer circumference ofthe primary seal 115 enact a seal with the walls of the annular space.Alternatively, if the first body half 101, second body half 102, andbonnet 103 are provided with a liner, the primary seal 115 creates aseal with the walls of the annular space defined as the area between thestem 109 and liner 111. The primary seal 115 may be constructed from anymaterial resistant to the media passing through the valve 100. Suitablematerials include but are not limited to thermoplastic or fluoroplasticmaterials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylenepropylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF),and so forth.

The primary shaft insert 116 is seated in the annular space above thebottom gasket 114, and is sized and configured to fit within the cavityof the primary seal 115. In an embodiment, the primary shaft insert 116fits within a cavity that is U-cup shape as shown in FIG. 8. The U-cupdesign of the primary seal 120 and primary shaft insert 121 allowslooser tolerances for these elements than typical packing systemsbecause these elements have the ability to expand radially whensubjected to an axial load thereby filling any voids caused by loosetolerances and fit. The primary shaft insert 116 may be constructed fromany material capable of expanding radially when subjected to an axialload. Suitable materials include but are not limited to a syntheticrubber and fluoropolymer elastomer such as Viton, or other suitablematerial.

Located above the primary seal 115 and primary shaft insert 116 is aseal 117, which is seated in the annular space. In an embodiment, theseal 117 may be a vee seal. The seal 117 sits on the top surface of theprimary seal 115 and primary shaft insert 116. The seal 117 may beconstructed from any material resistant to the media passing through thevalve. Suitable materials include but are not limited to thermoplasticor fluoroplastic materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA),polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and so forth.

A spacer 118 sits on top of the seal 117. The spacer 118 sits within theannular space above the seal 117. The spacer 118 is configured to alignwith the leakoff connection 128 on the bonnet 107. In an embodiment, thespacer 118 may be a lantern ring with an aperture 127 configured toalign with the leakoff connection 128. The spacer 118 may be constructedfrom any material sufficiently resistant to the media passing throughthe valve. Suitable materials include metals such as stainless steel. Inan embodiment, the spacer 118 may have a liner 111. As one of ordinaryskill in the art appreciates, the liner 111 material may be selectedbased on the application of the valve. For example, in corrosiveapplications, the liner 111 may be constructed from a fluoropolymer andthermoplastic material such as fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP),perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and so forth.

The secondary seal 120 is seated in the annular space above the spacer118. The secondary seal 120 is seated on the top surface of the spacer118. The secondary seal 120 may have a cavity between the innercircumference and outer circumference of the secondary seal 120. Thecavity is preferably sized and configured to receive the secondary shaftinsert 121. In an embodiment, the cavity is a U-cup shape. As shown inFIG. 8, the cavity extends between the inner and outer circumference ofthe secondary seal 115 and from the top to the bottom of the secondaryseal 115. The outer and inner circumference of the secondary seal 115may have a plurality of ribs. The ribs on the inner and outercircumference of the secondary seal 115 enact a seal with the walls ofthe annular space. Alternatively, if the first body half 101, secondbody half 102, and bonnet 103 are provided with a liner, the secondaryseal 120 creates a seal with the walls of the annular space defined asthe area between the stem 109 and liner 111. The secondary seal 120 maybe constructed from any material resistant to the media passing throughthe valve 100. Suitable materials include but are not limited tothermoplastic or fluoroplastic materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA),polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and so forth.

The secondary shaft insert 121 is seated in the annular space above theseal 117, and is sized and configured to fit within the cavity of thesecondary seal 120. In an embodiment, the secondary shaft insert 121fits within a cavity that is U-cup shape. The U-cup design of thesecondary seal 120 and secondary shaft insert 121 allows loosertolerances for these elements than typical packing systems because theseelements have the ability to expand radially when subjected to an axialload thereby filling any voids caused by loose tolerances and fit. Thesecondary shaft insert 121 may be constructed from any material capableof expanding radially when subjected to an axial load. Suitablematerials include but are not limited to a synthetic rubber andfluoropolymer elastomer such as Viton, or other suitable material.

Located above the secondary seal 120 and secondary shaft insert 121 is asupport ring 122. In an embodiment, the support ring 122 may be astainless steel Belleville support ring. Within the annular space abovethe support ring 122, a force transmitting member 119 is seated on topof the support ring 122. The force transmitting member 119 may be aspring washer such as a Belleville spring washer. The force transmittingmember 119 is configured to transfer an axial load to the primary shaftinsert 116 and secondary shaft insert 121. The primary shaft insert 116and secondary shaft insert 121 then transfer the load radially creatinga seal force along the cavity between the area defined by innercircumference and outer circumference of the primary seal 115 andsecondary seal 120. The primary seal 115 and secondary seal 120 are thenpushed outward creating a seal with the walls of the annular space.Alternatively, if the first body half 101, second body half 102, andbonnet 103 are provided with a liner, the primary seal 115 and secondaryseal 120 create a seal with the walls of the annular space defined asthe area between the stem 109 and liner 111.

An embodiment of a stem seal assembly shown in FIG. 4 is illustrated inFIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. The stem seal assembly comprises a bottomgasket 114, primary seal 115, primary shaft insert 116, seal 117, spacer118, and force transmitting member 119. The bottom gasket 114 is seatedin the bottom of the annular space. The bottom gasket 114 may have aninterface on its top surface configured to substantially mate with thebottom surface of the primary seal 115. In an embodiment, to prevent thepassage of a media, the outer circumference of the bottom gasket 114 isconfigured to substantially fit with the valve stem 109, and the innercircumference of the bottom gasket 114 is configured to substantiallyfit with the valve body or liner 111. The bottom gasket 114 may beconstructed from any material resistant to the media passing through thevalve 100. Suitable materials include but are not limited to athermoplastic or fluoroplastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE) or other suitable material.

The primary seal 115 is seated in the annular space above the bottomgasket 114. The primary seal 115 is seated on the top surface of thebottom gasket 114. In an embodiment, the bottom surface of the primaryseal 115 is configured to substantially mate with the top surface of thebottom gasket 114, and sits on top of the top surface of the bottomgasket 114. The primary seal 115 may have a cavity between the innercircumference and outer circumference of the primary seal 115. Thecavity is preferably sized and configured to receive the primary shaftinsert 116. In an embodiment, the cavity is a U-cup shape. As shown inFIG. 11, the cavity extends between the inner and outer circumference ofthe primary seal 115 and from the top to the bottom of the primary seal115. The outer and inner circumference of the primary seal 115 may havea plurality of ribs. The ribs on the inner and outer circumference ofthe primary seal 115 enact a seal with the walls of the annular space.Alternatively, if the first body half 101, second body half 102, andbonnet 103 are provided with a liner, the primary seal 115 and secondaryseal 120 create a seal with the walls of the annular space defined asthe area between the stem 109 and liner 111. The primary seal 115 may beconstructed from any material resistant to the media passing through thevalve. Suitable materials include but are not limited to thermoplasticor fluoroplastic materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA),polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and so forth.

The primary shaft insert 116 is seated in the annular space above thebottom gasket 114, and is sized and configured to fit within the cavityof the primary seal 115. In an embodiment, the primary shaft insert 116fits within a cavity that is U-cup shape. The U-cup design of theprimary seal 115 and primary shaft insert 116 allows looser tolerancesfor these elements than typical packing systems because these elementshave the ability to expand radially when subjected to an axial loadthereby filling any voids caused by loose tolerances and fit. Theprimary shaft insert 116 may be constructed from any material capable ofexpanding radially when subjected to an axial load. Suitable materialsinclude but are not limited to a synthetic rubber and fluoropolymerelastomer such as Viton, or other suitable material.

Located above the primary seal 115 and primary shaft insert 116 is aseal 117, which is seated in the annular space. In an embodiment, theseal 117 may be a vee seal. The seal 117 sits on the top surface of theprimary seal and primary shaft insert. The seal 117 may be constructedfrom any material resistant to the media passing through the valve.Suitable materials include but are not limited to thermoplastic orfluoroplastic materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA),polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and so forth.

A spacer 118 sits on top of the seal 117. The spacer 118 sits within theannular space above the seal 117. The spacer 118 is configured to alignwith the leakoff connection 128 on the bonnet 107. In an embodiment, thespacer 118 may be a lantern ring with an aperture 127 configured toalign with the leakoff connection 128. The spacer 118 may be constructedfrom any material sufficiently resistant to the media passing throughthe valve. Suitable materials include metals such as stainless steel.Within the annular space above the spacer 118, a force transmittingmember 119 is seated on top of the surface of the spacer 118. The forcetransmitting member 119 may be a spring washer such as a Bellevillespring washer. The force transmitting member 119 is configured totransfer an axial load to the primary shaft insert 116. The primaryshaft insert 116 then transfers the load radially creating a seal forcealong the cavity between the area defined by inner circumference andouter circumference of the primary seal 115. The primary seal 115 isthen pushed outward creating a seal with the walls of the annular space.Alternatively, if the first body half 101, second body half 102, andbonnet 103 are provided with a liner, the primary seal 115 creates aseal with the walls of the annular space defined as the area between thestem 109 and liner 111.

The valve 100 may include a leak detection port that extends from theleakoff connection 128 on the outside of the valve to an annulus abovethe primary seal 115. In an embodiment, the leak detection port extendsfrom the outside of the valve to an annulus between the primary seal 115and secondary seal 120. The leak detection port is utilized to detectwhether any leakage occurs around the sealing assembly.

As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, the interface between the bonnet 107and valve body is configured to eliminate rotational forces from beingtranslated to the bonnet 107. In an embodiment, a flanged boltedconnection on the bonnet 107 secures the bonnet 107 to the valve body.The top edge of the flanged connection 125 on the bonnet 107 may besubstantially flat. When the bonnet 107 is secured to the body, the topedge of the flanged connection 125 on the bonnet 107 is preferablysubstantially flush with the top edge 124 of the second body half lip126 creating a substantially flat planar surface between the top edge ofthe flanged connection 125 on the bonnet 107 and the top edge of thesecond body half lip 126. In addition, a notched interface 129 betweenthe bonnet 107 and second body half 102 eliminates rotational forcesfrom being translated to the bonnet 107 bolts, which maintains thesealing integrity of the seal between the body 101 and the bonnet 107,i.e. the bonnet 107 is prevented from turning accidentally duringoperation. As one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates, to preventrotation during operation, the top edge 124 of the lip 126 of the secondbody half 102 should be of sufficient height to provide enoughresistance to counteract the force from the bonnet 107. For example, toprevent bonnet 107 rotation, the top edge 124 of the lip 126 of thesecond body half 102 may be higher than the top edge of the flangedconnection 125 on the bonnet 107.

In an embodiment, during assembly of a valve, the first body half 101 isbolted together with the second body half 102. A seal is created betweenthe first body half 101 and second body half 102 between the liner 111on the flanged faces both body halves. As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 andFIG. 5, the valve 100 has a body joint 123 configured to maintain thesealing integrity between the first body half 101 and the second bodyhalf 102. The body joint is located on flanged connection of the secondbody half 102 and encapsulated by the liner 111. The body joint 123provides rigidity or almost “memory” to the liner 111. When the firstbody half is bolted to the second body half a sealing force is created,which dynamically loads and energizes the body joint 123. The energizedbody joint 123 maintains adequate sealing pressure and sealing integritybetween the first body half 101 and the second body half 102 therebyreducing the likelihood of a leak path, particularly when a pipingsystem is stressed, compressed, misaligned, or subjected to vibrations.As shown in FIG. 5, the body joint 123 is located at the connectionpoints between the first body half 101 and second body half 102, e.g.the body joint 123 is located around the bolt connection point betweenthe first body half 101 and second body half 102 and encapsulated in theliner 111 on the second body half 102.

The sealing assembly encompasses the stem 109. As the spring washer 119is loaded, it transfers transfer an axial load to the primary shaftinsert 116 and secondary shaft insert 121. The primary shaft insert 116and secondary shaft insert 121 then transfer the load radially creatinga seal force along the cavity between the area defined by innercircumference and outer circumference of the primary seal 115 andsecondary seal 120. The primary seal 115 and secondary seal 120 are thenpushed outward creating a seal with the walls of the annular spacedefined as the area between the stem 109 and the first body half 101,second body half 102, and bonnet 103. Alternatively, if the first bodyhalf 101, second body half 102, and bonnet 103 are provided with aliner, the primary seal 115 and secondary seal 120 create a seal withthe walls of the annular space defined as the area between the stem 109and liner 111. The bonnet 107 is bolted to the first body half andsecond body half. The bonnet 107 acts as a cover for the first body half101 and second body half 102 and is configured to secure the sealingassembly.

Although aspects of the present invention(s) are described in relationto a ball valve, the invention(s) is not limited to such use. In anembodiment shown in FIGS. 14-20, aspects of this invention(s) can beutilized in a butterfly valve. The butterfly valve 200 comprises a body,a stem 209, a flow element 208, and two stem seal assemblies.

The body may be formed from a top body half 201 and a bottom body half202. The top body half 201 and bottom body half 202 are secured togetherby any conventional means such as a threaded, bolted, welded joint, andso forth. The top body half 201 and bottom body half 202 may beconstructed from any suitable material such as carbon steel, stainlesssteel, nickel alloys, and so forth. As one of ordinary skill in the artappreciates, all materials used in the construction of the valve andsealing assembly elements are selected according to the varying types ofapplications. For example, materials can be selected to optimizefunctional reliability, fluid compatibility, service life and cost.

When the top body half 201 and bottom body half 202 are securedtogether, an annular opening is formed between the two body halves. Theflow element 208 is positioned in the annular opening. The flow-element208 can be a circular disc or vane that pivots. The flow-element 208 canbe fabricated as a two-piece design or as a single piece design. Theflow-element 208 is connected to a stem 209, which extends through thetop body half 201, and is configured to manually or mechanically actuatethe flow-element 208 between an open position and a closed position.

The stem 209 can be connected to an actuator. The actuator may be amanually actuated handle or lever; however, the actuator may also be anyconventional means such as pneumatic, hydraulic, electric actuators, andso forth. When the flow element 208 is actuated, it seals against bodyliner in the annular opening. As shown in FIG. 19, the stem can besurrounded by a stem bushing 219 to keep the stem concentric and providean object for the stem 209. The stem bushing 219 can be made from anacetal resin such as Derlin® available from DuPont®. The stem bushing219 may include one or more seals. In an embodiment, the stem bushingcan have an inner 218 a and outer seal 218 b. The seals 218 a, 218 b maybe O-rings.

The butterfly valve can also have a liner 211 to prevent corrosion. Theliner 211 is preferably substantially uniformly thick and secured to thesurface of the butterfly valve 200. The liner 211 may be secured to anysurface of the butterfly valve 200, but is preferably secured tosurfaces that will be exposed to the media. For example, a liner 211 maybe secured to the surfaces of the top body half 201 and bottom body half202 that define the annular opening. The liner 211 may also be securedto the surfaces of the flow-element 208 and/or stem 209. The liner 211material may be selected based on the application of the butterfly valve200. In corrosive applications (e.g. chlorine, hydrochloric acid, etc.),the liner 211 may be constructed from a fluoropolymer and thermoplasticmaterial such as fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy(PFA), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF), and so forth.

The first stem seal assembly is located substantially adjacent to thestem 209, and configured for preventing leakage of a media from theinside to the outside of the butterfly valve 200. The first stem sealassembly is seated within an annular space defined by the area betweenthe stem 209 and the top body half 201. In addition, a second sealassembly can be positioned between the bottom body half 202 and the flowelement 208.

An embodiment of the first stem seal assembly for the butterfly valve200 is shown in FIGS. 17, 18 and 22. The first stem seal assemblycomprises a first pusher 213, a first energizer 214, a second pusher215, a second energizer 216, and a force transmitting member 217. Thefirst stem seal assembly is a dynamic sealing system that has theadvantages of being virtually maintenance free and requiring noadjustment in the field. The first stem seal assembly may also serve asa bearing and assist with reducing lateral forces that may be placed onthe flow-element 208 and stem 209.

The first pusher 213 can be seated in the annular space, and have agroove configured to receive the first energizer 214. When the firstpusher 213 is subjected to an axial load or force, it creates a primaryseal 220 between the flow-element 208 and the top body half 201. Wherethe liner 211 is secured to the flow-element 208 and top body half 201,the primary seal 220 can be created between the respective liners 211.The first pusher 213 may be constructed from any material sufficientlyresistant to the media passing through the butterfly valve 200. Suitablematerials include, but are not limited to, metals such as stainlesssteel.

The first energizer 214 can be seated in the groove of the first pusher213. When the first energizer 214 is subjected to an axial force, itexpands radially creating a secondary seal 230. When the first energizer214 expands, it transmits the force radially to the top body half 201,which creates the secondary seal 230 between the top body half 201 andstem 209. Where the liner 211 is secured to the top body half 201 andstem 209, the secondary seal 230 can be created between the respectiveliners 211. The top body half 201 or its liner 211 may also include aplurality of ribs for creating multiple interface points with the stem209 or its liner 211. These multiple interface points permit thesecondary seal 230 to create multiple seals where the liner ribsinterface with the stem 209. The first energizer 214 may be constructedfrom any material capable of expanding radially when subjected to anaxial force. Suitable materials include but are not limited to asynthetic rubber and fluoropolymer elastomer such as Viton, or othersuitable material.

The second pusher 215 can be positioned above the first energizer 214.The second pusher 215 has a groove configured to receive the secondenergizer 216, and is configured to transmit an axial force to the firstenergizer 214, second energizer 216 and first pusher 215. The secondpusher 215 may be constructed from any material sufficiently resistantto the media passing through the butterfly valve 200. Suitable materialsinclude metals such as stainless steel.

The second energizer 216 can be positioned in the groove of the secondpusher 215. When the second energizer 216 is subjected to an axialforce, it expands radially creating a tertiary seal 240. When the secondenergizer 216 expands, it transmits the force radially creating thetertiary seal 240 between the second energizer 216 and stem 209. Wherethe liner 211 is secured to the stem 209, the tertiary seal 240 can becreated between the liner 211 and second energizer 216. The surface ofthe second energizer 216 that interfaces with the stem 209 or its liner211 may have a plurality of ribs configured for creating multiple pointsof contact between the second energizer 216 and the surface(s) itcontacts. For example, when the second energizer 216 is subjected to anaxial force, it can transmits the force radially, which creates multipleseals where the second energizer ribs contact the stem 209 or its liner211. The second energizer 216 may be constructed from any materialcapable of expanding radially when subjected to an axial force. Suitablematerials include but are not limited to a synthetic rubber andfluoropolymer elastomer such as Viton, or other suitable material.

The force transmitting member 217 is seated above the second pusher 215,and is configured to transfer an axial force to the second pusher 217.The second pusher 215 is configured to transfer the axial force to thesecond energizer 216, first energizer 214 and first pusher 213. Asdiscussed above, when the first energizer 214 and second energizer 216are subjected to an axial force, they expand radially and push outward,which create seals. The force transmitting member 219 may be anyconventional means configured to transfer an axial force when loaded. Anexample of a suitable force transmitting member includes, but is notlimited to, a spring washer such as a Belleville spring washer.

In operation, as the force transmitting member 217 is loaded, ittransfers transfer an axial force to second pusher 215. The secondpusher 215 then transfers the axial force to second energizer 216, firstenergizer 214 and first pusher 213. The axial force applied to the firstenergizer 214 and second energizer 216 causes them to expand radiallyand push outward, which creates the secondary seal and tertiary sealbetween the stem 209 and the top body half 201. The axial force appliedto the first pusher 213 it creates a primary seal 220 between theflow-element 208 and the body liner.

As discussed above, the butterfly valve can include the second sealassembly (FIG. 20) positioned in the area between the bottom body half202 and the flow element 208. As shown in FIG. 20, the second sealassembly is configured in the same manner as the first stem sealassembly. That is, the second stem seal assembly comprises a firstpusher 213, a first energizer 214, a second pusher 215, a secondenergizer 216, and a force transmitting member 217. The second sealassembly also operates in a similar fashion as described above inrelation to the first stem sealing assembly.

Any reference to patents, documents and other writings contained hereinshall not be construed as an admission as to their status with respectto being or not being prior art. Although the present invention and itsadvantages have been described in detail, it is understood that thearray of features and embodiments taught herein may be combined andrearranged in a large number of additional combinations not directlydisclosed, as will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art.

Moreover, it should be understood that various changes, substitutionsand alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the following claims. There are, ofcourse, other alternate embodiments, which are obvious from theforegoing descriptions of the invention, which are intended to beincluded within the scope of the invention, as defined by the followingclaims.

We claim:
 1. A valve comprising: a body having a first port, a second port, and a media passage extending between said first port and second port, said body further comprising a stem port; a flow element positioned in said media passage, said flow element having an open position and a closed position, wherein said flow element is configured to allow media to flow through said media passage when said flow element is in said open position and configured to prevent media from flowing through said media passage when said flow element is in said closed position; a stem positioned in said stem port and secured to said flow element and to an actuator, wherein said actuator is configured to move the flow element between said open position and said closed position; and a sealing assembly adjacent to the stem and configured to fit within an annular space between the stem and the body, the sealing assembly comprising a primary seal having inner and outer circumference walls, wherein said inner and outer circumference walls define a cavity; a primary shaft insert configured to fit within said cavity, and a force transmitting member configured to continuously transfer an axial load to the primary shaft insert and wherein said primary shaft insert is configured to transfer said axial load radially to said primary seal to create a seal between the body and the stem.
 2. A valve according to claim 1 wherein the force transmitting member comprises one or more Belleville springs.
 3. A valve according to claim 1 wherein the primary seal is comprised of thermoplastic or fluoroplastic.
 4. A valve according to claim 1 wherein the primary seal is comprised of polytetraflouroethylene, flourinated ethylene propylene, perfluoroalkoxy, polyvinyledeneflouride, and combinations thereof.
 5. A valve according to claim 1 wherein the primary shaft insert is comprised of synthetic rubber, fluoropolymer elastomers, and combinations thereof.
 6. A valve according to claim 1 wherein said actuator is positioned external to said body. 